Google & Samaritans join forces

November 15th, 2010

Emotional support charity Samaritans and search engine Google have joined forces to offer support to any web users in the UK making suicide related search queries.

Now, whenever a web user enters the word ”suicide” or the phrase ”commit suicide” into Google, a red telephone icon detailing contact information for Samaritans will appear at the top of the search results.

Google’s UK chief, Matt Brittin has said “We hope that by adding a highly visible link on searches relating to suicide, Google can help guide those who are vulnerable, distressed or suicidal to the renowned expertise and support service offered by Samaritans.”

Though the search feature currently only appears to bring up direct Samaritans results for searches involving the word ”suicide” the search terms are likely to be expanded over time.

Samaritans in the UK offer confidential support by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 08457 90 90 90.